Altinex DA1917SX User Manual

SWITCHERS

MANUAL PART NUMBER: 400-0063-003
PRODUCT REVISION: 1

DA1917SX

2-IN, 2-OUT VGA AUTOSWITCHER/

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

USER’S GUIDE

SWITCHERS

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the DA1917SX Auto
Switcher. We are sure you will find it a reliable and
useful product.

Superior performance for the right price backed by
solid technical and customer support is what we
have to offer.

The product you are holding in your hands is
designed using state-of-the-art technology and is
superior to anything available on the market. You
will find this and our other products reliable, long
lasting, and simple to operate.

We are committed to providing our customers with
solutions to the most demanding audio-visual
installations at very competitive pricing.

We appreciate your selection of our products and
are confident that you will join the ranks of our
many satisfied customers throughout the world.

This manual covers:

DA1917SX – 2-in, 2-out VGA Auto Switcher /

Distribution Amplifier

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS ...............2

GENERAL..........................................................2

RACK MOUNT SAFETY GUIDELINES ..............2

INSTALLATION..................................................2

CLEANING.........................................................2

FCC / CE NOTICE .............................................2

ABOUT YOUR SWITCHER...................................3

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION..............................3

DESCRIPTION OF DA1917SX..............................4

AUTO-SWITCH MODE ......................................5

MANUAL SWITCH MODE..................................5

APPLICATION DIAGRAM .....................................5

INSTALLING YOUR SWITCHER ..........................6

OPERATION .........................................................6

ACCESSORIES.....................................................6

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....................7

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..............................7

ALTINEX POLICY .................................................8

LIMITED WARRANTY........................................8

RETURN POLICY ..............................................8

CONTACT INFORMATION ................................8

1

SWITCHERS

PRECAUTIONS / SAFETY WARNINGS 1

Please read this manual carefully before using your
DA1917SX Switcher. Keep this manual handy for
future reference. These safety instructions are to
ensure the long life of your DA1917SX and to
prevent fire and shock hazard. Please read them
carefully and heed all warnings.

1.1 GENERAL

• Unauthorized personnel shall not open the unit
since there are high-voltage components
inside.

• Qualified Altinex service personnel, or their
authorized representatives must perform all
service.

1.2 SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR THE RACK-

MOUNTING OF THE DA1917SX

• Maximum operating ambient temperature is 35
(degrees C).

• Never restrict the airflow through the device’s
fan or vents.

• When installing equipment into a rack,
distribute the units evenly. Otherwise,
hazardous conditions may be created by an
uneven weight distribution.

• Connect the unit to a properly rated supply
circuit.

• Reliable Earthing (Grounding) of Rack­Mounted Equipment should be maintained.

1.3 INSTALLATION

• For best results, place the DA1917SX
Switcher on a flat, level surface in a dry area
away from dust and moisture.

• To prevent fire or shock, do not expose this
unit to rain or moisture. Do not place the
DA1917SX Switcher in direct sunlight, near
heaters or heat radiating appliances, or near
any liquid. Exposure to direct sunlight, smoke
or steam can harm internal components.

• Handle the DA1917SX Switcher carefully.
Dropping or jarring can damage internal
components.

• Do not place heavy objects on top of the
DA1917SX. If the DA1917SX is to be mounted
to a table or wall, use only Altinex made

mounting accessories like mini mount-bracket
(DA1295FC) and cables for optimum setup.

• To turn off the main power, be sure to remove
the cord from the power outlet. The power
outlet socket should be installed as near to the
equipment as possible, and should be easily
accessible.

• Do not pull the power cord or any cable that is
attached to the DA1917SX Switcher.

• If the DA1917SX Switcher is not to be used for
an extended period of time, disconnect the
Power AC Adapter from the power outlet.

1.4 CLEANING

• Unplug the DA1917SX AC Adapter from wall
before cleaning. Clean surfaces with a dry
cloth. Never use strong detergents or solvents
such as alcohol or thinner. Do not use a wet
cloth or water to clean the unit.

1.5 FCC / CE NOTICE

• This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

• This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference
at his own expense.

• Any changes or modifications to the unit not
expressly approved by Altinex, Inc. could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

2

SWITCHERS

ABOUT YOUR SWITCHER 2

The DA1917SX is a 2-in, 2-out VGA
(VGA/SVGA/XGA) Auto Switcher with a built-in 1-in
2-out Distribution Amplifier. The DA1917SX may
also be controlled manually through the use of a
contact closure.

In its normal mode, the DA1917SX automatically
switches to the active input source by sensing an
incoming signal. If two input signals are active
simultaneously, it will default to Input 2. Note that
the DA1917SX may be custom modified at the
factory upon request so that it will default to Input 1
instead of Input 2.

The DA1917SX offers two buffered outputs, both of
which display the selected input signal. If only one
output is used, it is not necessary to terminate the
unused output.

The DA1917SX can be controlled manually by
connecting a latching contact closure control to its

2.5mm mini-coaxial remote control jack. The
DA1917SX comes with a small switch and a 6 foot
cable (part # RC5203CC) which performs this
control function, or the contact closure may be
made from a control system. When the contact
closure control is connected to the DA1917SX, an
“open” position will select Input 1 and a “closed”
position will select Input 2.

Although the DA1917SX is designed primarily to
handle VGA-type (RGBHV) signals, it can also be
used to pass Composite Video, S-Video, and
Component Video signals through its Red, Green,
and Blue channels. This may require the use of
adapter cables to convert from a 15-pin HD
connector to BNC connectors.

The DA1917SX is perfect for applications that
require one local monitor to share two computers. It
is also ideal for use in applications that make use
of wall or floor plates for auto switching.

The DA1917SX may be mounted to furniture or
other suitable surfaces using optional hardware.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3

FEATURES/DESCRIPTION DA1917SX
GENERAL
No. of Inputs

Input Connector 15-pin HD Female

Output

Output Connectors 15-pin HD Female

Compatibility

VGA, SVGA, XGA,

high resolution

RGBHV, RGBS,

RGsB, Component

Video (Y, R-Y, B-Y), S-

Video (Y/C), and

Composite Video

Table 1. DA1917SX General

MECHANICAL DA1917SX

Material 0.1” Aluminum
Finish Gray
Top Panel Lexan
Height (inches) 3.00in (76mm)
Width (inches) 4.38in (111mm)
Depth (inches) 1.00in (25mm)
Weight (pounds) 0.4lbs (0.18kg)
Ship Weight (pounds) 2.0lbs (0.91kg)
T° Operating 10°C-35°C
T° Maximum 50°C
Humidity
MTBF (calculations) 40,000 hrs

90% non-condensing

Table 2. DA1917SX Mechanical

ELECTRICAL DA1917SX
Input Video Signal

Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Impedance 75 Ohms

Input Sync Signal

Horizontal, Vertical, & C-Sync TTL(+/-)
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 10 k Ohms

Output Video Signals

Analog Signal 1.5V p-p max
Fall/Rise Time (ns) 1.8
Impedance 75 Ohms

Output Sync Signal

Composite Sync TTL(+/-)
Sync on Green -0.3V
Impedance 22 Ohms

Frequency Compatibility

3

2

2

Typical Video Bandwidth 380 MHz
Minimum Video Bandwidth 350 @ -3 dB
Horizontal 15-200 kHz
Vertical 20-190 Hz

SWITCHERS

Cross-talk
Coupling
Power

External Power Adapter 9V 500mA (included)

Power Consumption

Table 3. DA1917SX Electrical

-40dB @10 MHz
DC

3 watts max.

DESCRIPTION OF DA1917SX 4

4

SWITCHERS

4.1 AUTO-SWITCH MODE

The DA1917SX automatically selects the active
source by sensing the incoming sync or video
signals. If you are switching a RGsB signal, the
DA1917SX will automatically sense the sync
from the Green channel. When two active
sources are present, the DA1917SX selects
Input 2 as the default.

4.2 MANUAL SWITCH MODE

The DA1916SX can be controlled manually by
connecting a contact closure control switch to
the Channel Select port of the DA1917SX. This
port uses a 2.5mm mini-coaxial remote control
jack and is located next to the Input 2. (Note that
the connector used for the Channel Select port
is the same as the power connector used for the
unit. (No damage will occur if the power is
accidentally connected to the Channel Select
port).

Altinex offers a remote control switch with a 12
feet cable (Part # RC5203CC) which performs
this control function. The DA1917SX can also be
controlled using AV control systems.

When a remote control switch is connected to
the Channel Select port, Input 1 will be selected
if the Channel Select Contact is “open” and Input
2 if the Channel Select Contact is “closed”.

It does not matter whether there is one active
signal or two active signals – the switching will
be identical. The LED lights next to each of the
inputs will indicate which input is selected.

Both Outputs of the DA1917SX are fully
buffered and are capable of driving a signal over
200 feet of high quality coaxial cable.

APPLICATION DIAGRAM 5

5

SWITCHERS

INSTALLING YOUR SWITCHER 6

Step 1. Make sure that the proper power

adapter is used. The Altinex power
adapter is supplied with the unit.

Step 2. Connect the power adapter to the power

port. Observe the power indicator light
turning red and the input lights turning
red.

Step 3. Remove the anti-static connector covers

and connect the cables from the
computer video card or from the video
output of other sources, to Input 1 or
Input 2 of the DA1917SX.

Step 4. Connect the cables from the output port

of the DA1917SX to the large screen
monitor or data projector.

Step 5. If remote control switch is used, connect

the RC5203CC to the Channel Select
port.

Step 6. If control system is used to control the

DA1917SX, connect Channel Select

port of the DA1917SX to the relays port
of a control system.

Step 7. Verify that the picture quality on the

display is good. If you are not receiving
a signal, make sure that the display is
compatible with the resolution of the
computer graphics card.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE DONE.

If you experience any problems, please call

1-800-258-4623 or 1-714-990-2300 for

international calls.

OPERATION 7

The settings of the DA1917SX Switcher can be
adjusted using auto-switch mode and manual
switch mode as described in Section no. 4. There
are no other adjustments necessary to operate the
unit. The DA1917SX will operate successfully as
long as cables are attached properly and other
specifications are followed.

ACCESSORIES 8

Model No. Description

RACK MOUNTING ACCESSORIES

DA1295RM

RC5203CC

MS8000TP

MS8102CA
MS8104CA
MS8105CA
MS8106CA

CB3703MR
CB3706MR
CB3715MR
CB3725MR
CB3750MR

CB3775MR
CB37100MR
CB37150MR

CB3903MR
CB3906MR
CB3915MR
CB3925MR
CB3950MR

CB3975MR

CB39100MR

CB39150MR

PC5502US
PS5503US

PS5512UK
PS5522AU
PS5532GR
PS5542JP

Mount mini-brackets (2 – “L” shape)

CONTACT CLOSURE SWITCH

Contact Closure with 6 ft. cable

TERMINATION PLUG

VGA (15-pin HD) Termination Plug

ADAPTOR CABLE

6 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male
15 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male
50 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC Male
6 feet, 15-pin HD Male to 5 BNC

Female

VGA CABLE MALE TO MALE

3 feet, high resolution type cable
6 feet, high resolution type cable
15 feet, high resolution type cable
25 feet, high resolution type cable
50 feet, super high resolution type

cable
75 feet, super high resolution cable
100 feet, super high resolution cable
150 feet, super high resolution cable

VGA CABLE MALE TO FEMALE

3 feet, high resolution type cable
6 feet, high resolution type cable
15 feet, high resolution type cable
25 feet, high resolution type cable
50 feet, super high resolution type

cable
75 feet, super high resolution type
cable
100 feet, super high resolution type
cable
150 feet, super high resolution type
cable

POWER ADAPTERS

9V 500mA Power Supply for US
9V 500mA Power Supply for US w/50 ft

wire
9V 500mA Power Supply for UK
9V 500mA Power Supply for Australia
9V 500mA Power Supply for Germany
9V 500mA Power Supply for Japan

6

SWITCHERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 9

No: Question Answer
1 What is

Switcher?

2 When do I

use the
DA1917SX?

3 What kind of

signal
formats may
I pass
through the
DA1917SX?

4 Is the output

buffered?

5 How far can I

run a signal?

A Switcher is a device that
allows you to connect
multiple video sources to a
single display and select
between the sources.
If you have two computers
and you want to display
them on a single monitor,
you would use the
DA1917SX 2-in 1-out VGA
Auto switcher between the
computers and the monitor,
using cables to interconnect
the pieces. The switcher
would then allow you to
select which computer would
be displayed on the monitor
at any given time.

The DA1917SX can pass
VGA/SVGA/XGA/UXGA and
also RGBS, RGsB,
Component Video (Y, R-Y, &
B-Y), S-Video (Y/C), and
Composite Video signals
(with adapter cable).
Yes, the DA1917SX offers

fully Buffered Outputs.

The output of the DA1917SX
allows signals to be run
driven through up to 200 feet
of cable depending on cable
quality and the source signal
resolution without
degradation of the image
quality.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 10

We have carefully tested and have found no
problems in the supplied DA1917SX unit; however,
we would like to offer these suggestions:

• Please make sure that you have the correct
setting of the Sync Source Switch. If you pass
RGBS signal formats, the switch must be in
the SYNC position. If you pass RGsB or
Composite Video signal formats, the switch
must be in the GREEN position.

• Make sure that the correct power adapter is
connected to the unit.

• Please make sure that the input amplitude of
the analog signal is less than 1.5V.

• Please use the Altinex supplied external
adapter (9V, 500mA).

• Please make sure that the proper quality of
cables is used. We recommend the Altinex
made cables for the best results.

• If the problem shows up after continuous
usage at higher voltage, higher temperature,
higher humidity, or at other extreme
environmental conditions, please correct the
problem.

7

SWITCHERS

ALTINEX POLICY 11

11.1 LIMITED WARRANTY

Altinex warrants that its products and cables are
free from defects in materials under normal use
and service. This warranty is limited to repairing
at company’s factory any part or parts of the
product, which upon company’s examination
shall disclose to be, thus defective. Products
considered defective should be returned to
company with transportation charges pre-paid
within 2 years (90 days for cables) from date of
shipment to the purchaser. The warranty is
expressly instead of all other warranties
expressed or implied. Altinex neither assumes
nor authorizes any other person to assume for it
any other liability in connection with the sale of
the products. This warranty shall not apply to
any product that has been repaired or altered
outside of company’s factory in any way so as,
in its judgment, to affect its stability or reliability,
or that has been subject to misuse, negligence,
or accident.

If your product is out of warranty and needs
service, contact the Altinex Sales Department
for an RMA (Return Material Authorization).
Products returned without an RMA number may
experience a delay in service. The service
charges will be quoted to you before the actual
repairs are done.

11.3 CONTACT INFORMATION

Sales Department

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Accounting Department

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

11.2 RETURN POLICY

It is very important to Altinex that you receive the
products that you have ordered and that this
product fulfills your need. In the unlikely event
that an Altinex product needs to be returned
please follow the policies below:

Altinex will accept product returns for a period of
30 days from authorized Altinex dealers.
Products should be returned in an unopened
package.

If a product has been opened, the restocking
fees will apply. For the restocking fee amount,
please contact an Altinex Sales Representative.

If the product is in your possession for more
than 30 days, the restocking fees will apply.

Altinex will not accept any returns on cables or
custom products.

If your product is in warranty and needs service,
contact the Altinex Sales Department for an
RMA (Return Material Authorization). Products
returned without an RMA number may
experience a delay in service.

8